`Lethal Weapon` to return sans Mel Gibson

London: Mel Gibson`s `Lethal Weapon` is all set to return - with a new cast after the actor refused to take part.

Gibson cemented his place in Hollywood with his role as a cop in the 1987 original, and he reprised the role for three sequels, reports the Daily Express.

Rumours of a fifth movie in the series emerged in 2008, but director Richard Donner revealed Gibson had declined to star in another installment.

Deadline.com has now reported that plans for `Lethal Weapon 5` are still going ahead, with movie executives hiring screenwriter and former Los Angeles police officer Will Beall to create the plot for a new cast.